diff --git a/lib/vmpooler/vsphere_helper.rb b/lib/vmpooler/vsphere_helper.rb
index 89a40c162..4e555831c 100644
--- a/lib/vmpooler/vsphere_helper.rb
+++ b/lib/vmpooler/vsphere_helper.rb
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ def initialize(config, metrics)
     def ensure_connected(connection, credentials)
       connection.serviceInstance.CurrentTime
     rescue
-      connect_to_vsphere $credentials
+      connect_to_vsphere @credentials
     end
 
     def connect_to_vsphere(credentials)